Windows NT 4.0 Enterprise Edition Does Not Use More Than 256 MB of RAM

ID: Q222974

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows NT Server 4.0, Enterprise Edition, the operating system may not use all available memory if you have more than 256 megabytes (MB) of RAM installed.


CAUSE

During the installation process, the "/maxmem=256" switch is added to the Boot.ini file. This switch is added to prevent problems that may occur when the Windows NT base code is installed on computers with more than 256 MB of RAM. The Windows NT base code is installed first during a normal Enterprise Edition installation.

When you reboot the computer after the installation is complete, the operating system is limited to using the first 256 MB of available memory unless you remove the "/maxmem=256" switch from the Boot.ini file.


RESOLUTION

To correct this issue, remove the "/maxmem=256" switch from the Boot.ini file:

  1. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the Boot.ini file. Note that the Boot.ini file is a hidden file located in the root folder of the boot drive.


  2. Locate the line that contains the "/maxmem=256" switch.


  3. Remove the line, or disable it by placing a semicolon (;) at the beginning of the line.


  4. Save the Boot.ini file, and then quit the text editor.


  5. Restart the computer.



MORE INFORMATION

If you install Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition, directly from the CD-ROM, the installation process automatically removes this switch. If you perform the installation using floppy disks or using an unattended installalation process, the switch remains and must be removed manually.

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : kbenv kbsetup 
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP4
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: April 2, 1999